Childcare Specialist (4808)

The Children, Youth and Family Program is looking for a childcare provider who is an experienced worker and is able to work part time evenings and weekends. To be a successful childcare provider, you should enjoy being around children and feel comfortable juggling multiple behavior challenges. The person must also exhibit a strong belief and commitment to FPC’s mission and vision throughout all interactions.

Core Competencies

1. Child Development Knowledge
   1. Understanding Developmental Stages: In-depth knowledge of the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development of children at various ages (infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children).
   2. Age-Appropriate Care: Ability to tailor activities, routines, and interactions to the developmental needs of children, fostering their growth and learning in a safe and nurturing environment.
   3. Behavioral Understanding: Recognizing normal behavior patterns and identifying signs of developmental delays or other concerns, knowing when to refer children for further assessment.
2. Child Safety and Health
   1. Safety Protocols: Ability to implement and adhere to safety policies, ensuring that the environment is secure and risk-free for children.
   2. Emergency Procedures: Knowledge of emergency procedures, including first aid, CPR, fire drills, and evacuation protocols, ensuring children’s safety in all situations.
   3. Health and Hygiene Practices: Promoting healthy habits, including regular handwashing, cleanliness, safe food handling, and recognizing signs of illness in children
3. Classroom and Behavior Management
   1. Positive Discipline Techniques: Use of positive reinforcement, redirection, and consistent, age-appropriate discipline methods to manage behavior and encourage social skills.
   2. Setting Boundaries and Expectations: Creating and maintaining clear, simple rules for children, providing structure and predictability in the daily routine.
   3. Conflict Resolution: Skill in guiding children through conflicts and teaching them appropriate ways to express emotions, negotiate, and solve problems with peers
4. Communication Skills
   1. Effective Communication with Children: Ability to engage with children using clear, age-appropriate language, providing instructions, feedback, and emotional support.
   2. Parent and Guardian Interaction: Regularly communicating with parents and guardians, updating them on their child’s progress, behavior, and well-being, and addressing any concerns.
   3. Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with other childcare staff, teachers, and administrators to provide cohesive, high-quality care and education for children
5. Planning and Organization
   1. Activity Planning: Ability to develop and implement engaging, educational, and fun activities that support children’s learning and growth in areas such as language, motor skills, and social development.
   2. Routine Management: Ensuring daily routines (e.g., meals, naps, playtime) are organized and run smoothly, maintaining structure while allowing flexibility for individual needs.
   3. Time Management: Balancing multiple tasks and responsibilities, including monitoring children, preparing materials, and ensuring the overall flow of the day.
6. Emotional and Social Support
   1. Fostering Positive Relationships: Building strong, trusting relationships with children, offering emotional support, and being responsive to their needs.
   2. Social-Emotional Learning: Encouraging children to recognize and express their emotions in healthy ways and helping them develop social skills such as cooperation, empathy, and communication.
   3. Separation Support: Helping children adjust to being away from their parents and caregivers, providing comfort and reassurance during drop-offs or transitions.
7. Cultural Competency and Inclusivity
   1. Respecting Diversity: Demonstrating respect and appreciation for children’s diverse cultural backgrounds, family structures, and experiences.
   2. Inclusive Practices: Creating an inclusive environment that ensures all children feel valued, regardless of background, abilities, or learning differences.
   3. Promoting Equality: Supporting each child's individual needs and treating all children fairly, encouraging diversity and inclusivity within the classroom.
8. Professionalism and Ethical Practices
   1. Confidentiality: Maintaining the confidentiality of children’s and families’ personal and sensitive information, ensuring privacy and trust.
   2. Ethical Behavior: Acting in a professional, responsible, and ethical manner at all times, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and respect for children, families, and colleagues.